Medicare project to study helping the elderly quit smoking

(Washington-AP) -- Medicare is launching a pilot project in Oklahoma and six other states to study the best way to help the elderly quit smoking. <br><br>The Medicare Stop Smoking Program selected states

Thursday, November 21st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Washington-AP) -- Medicare is launching a pilot project in Oklahoma and six other states to study the best way to help the elderly quit smoking.

The Medicare Stop Smoking Program selected states based on several factors, including the number of older smokes in the states.

The program will test programs that try to help the elderly stop smoking such as counseling, nicotine patches, prescription drugs and educational materials.

The study will try to determine which strategies are most effective in helping senior citizens quit smoking.

Those who enroll will receive free therapy to stop smoking, ranging from counseling to drugs. Residents who are 65 and older can call toll-free 1-866-65-BEGIN to learn if they're eligible.

Other states in the study are Alabama, Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wyoming.